GMOs, Gene-edited Organisms, and the Meddle with Nature’s Genetic Code

GMOs, Gene-edited Organisms, and the Meddle with Nature's Genetic Code is dedicated to Belizeans and visitors who care about their environment and the health of their fellow human beings. The contents of this book are intended to help readers make informed choices about the Genetic Engineering technologies being applied to growing our food and used in our environment and daily lives. Colourful illustrations by the author help to communicate the issues about GMOs and Gene-edited Organisms.

This book is divided into six sections. The first section "Nature" explains what nature is and presents some scenarios how GMOs could be involved in our everyday lives. The second section "Genetic Engineering" defines genetic engineering and describes its connection to our DNA and genes. The third section "What Are GMOs?" explains what GMOs are, how they are made, how they differ from other organisms that are traditionally bred, why they are created, and where they are used in our society today. The fourth section "Why Are GMOs Controversial?" sheds some light on the controversies surrounding GMOs, including whether they can feed the world, their health and environmental concerns, and their regulation. The fifth section "Gene Edited Organisms" introduces CRISPR and the newer genetic engineering techniques of gene editing, lists some ways in which gene editing could be unsafe, compares gene-edited organisms and GMOs, and mentions the various moral, ethical and religious concerns surrounding GMOs and gene-edited organisms. The sixth section "The Status of GMOs and Genetic Engineering in Belize" gives the status of GMOs and genetic engineering in Belize, informs about the efforts that Belize is taking along with its international partners to address modern biotechnology, and lists some things that Belizeans can do. A glossary is provided to further explain unfamiliar words and terms used, and a reference list of sources consulted is included for readers who may wish to further investigate some of the topics covered.